Jeffrey Fuchs, Director of University Bands, was recently appointed to the position of Professor of the Practice.
Music is no stranger to Fuchs. Being the child of a high school band director and a head of a children’s choir for a church, music has been an essential element since birth. He joined the Carolina family in 1995.
In Fuch’s 25-year career at Carolina, he has taught a diverse range of classes in the Department of Music from large lecture courses to ensembles, garnering praise not only for the excellence and passion of his teaching but also for his effectiveness as a mentor both inside and outside of the classroom.
Fuchs manages the entire UNC Bands program, which includes three concert bands, the Marching Tar Heels, five Olympic Sports Pep Bands, two Basketball Bands and a variety of outreach programs.
He knows that he could not do it without help from Dr. Evan Feldman, Dr. Erin Cooper, his administrator Kaleigh O’Neal, and his students who become family.
“I do it for the kids. They become like family and it always makes me happy to see them on a gameday,” Fuchs said. “I love getting to provide these students with experiences they might not otherwise get.”
Fuchs’ service to the profession is honorable and extraordinarily unique, it is no wonder he has been appointed to this position. Even with all his dedication and passion for his career, he knows that it does not define him.
“The most important thing is that you find something that gives you success and enjoyment. The thing that makes you tick, whatever that may be. I’m lucky I found a career that I love, but it doesn’t define me.”
At the end of the day, Fuchs believes that his new position is merely a title and that a job becomes more of what you do and less of who you are.
Thank you Professor Jeff Fuchs for all you do for the Department of Music and all of Carolina!
by Casey Mentch, class of 24